Is Newtons law of cooling related to the zeroth law of thermodynamics?

Thread starter DRC12
Start date Dec 25, 2011
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Cooling Law Newtons Newtons law Thermodynamics Zeroth law

In summary, Newton's Law of Cooling and the Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics are related in that they both deal with the concept of thermal equilibrium. While the Zeroth Law establishes the concept of temperature and thermal equilibrium, Newton's Law of Cooling is a specific application of this principle that deals with the cooling of an object. The validity of Newton's Law of Cooling is not affected by the Zeroth Law, and there are no exceptions to the law due to the Zeroth Law. The equations for both laws differ in their specific purposes, but are based on the same fundamental principle of thermal equilibrium.

Dec 25, 2011

DRC12

Being that both laws explain some kind of heat transfer I was wondering if they are in any way related.

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Dec 25, 2011

Gordianus

The zeroth law says an isolated system will eventually reach equilibrium but it doesn' say how temperature changes.
Newton's law gives us a model about how temperature evolves; it gives us more information

Related to Is Newtons law of cooling related to the zeroth law of thermodynamics?

1. How is Newton's Law of Cooling related to the Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics?

Newton's Law of Cooling is related to the Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics because both laws deal with the concept of thermal equilibrium. The Zeroth Law states that when two objects are in thermal equilibrium, they have the same temperature. Similarly, Newton's Law of Cooling states that the rate of cooling of an object is directly proportional to the temperature difference between the object and its surroundings.

2. Can Newton's Law of Cooling be derived from the Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics?

No, Newton's Law of Cooling cannot be derived from the Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics. The Zeroth Law is a fundamental principle in thermodynamics that establishes the concept of temperature and thermal equilibrium. Newton's Law of Cooling is a specific application of this principle that deals with the cooling of an object.

3. How does the Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics affect the validity of Newton's Law of Cooling?

The Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics does not affect the validity of Newton's Law of Cooling. In fact, Newton's Law of Cooling is often used to demonstrate the validity of the Zeroth Law. If an object is in thermal equilibrium with its surroundings, it will not experience any temperature change, thus proving both laws to be true.

4. Are there any exceptions to Newton's Law of Cooling due to the Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics?

There are no exceptions to Newton's Law of Cooling due to the Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics. This law applies to all objects and systems as long as they are in thermal equilibrium with their surroundings. However, there may be external factors such as insulation or changes in the environment that can affect the rate of cooling.

5. How do the equations for Newton's Law of Cooling and the Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics differ?

The equations for Newton's Law of Cooling and the Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics are different because they serve different purposes. The equation for the Zeroth Law is simply a statement that two objects in thermal equilibrium have the same temperature. The equation for Newton's Law of Cooling relates the rate of cooling to the temperature difference between an object and its surroundings. However, both equations are based on the same fundamental principle of thermal equilibrium.